Gravitropism
Organizations face similar conflicts between different strategic imperatives.
Gravitropism is directional growth in response to gravity - roots grow down (positive gravitropism) while shoots grow up (negative gravitropism). This is mediated by statoliths, dense organelles that settle to the bottom of cells under gravity, triggering auxin redistribution.
When phototropism conflicts with gravitropism - light from below but gravity pulling down - plants resolve the conflict through resource prioritization: strong light means phototropism wins (the plant bends toward light even if horizontal or downward), weak light means gravitropism wins (the plant grows straight up). This is sensor fusion with resource-specific weighting.
Business Application of Gravitropism
Organizations face similar conflicts between different strategic imperatives. The resolution depends on which resource is most limiting - a well-funded startup might prioritize growth (chase opportunity) while a cash-constrained one prioritizes stability (maintain core business).